`Biography' Profiles Sam Phillips

FLORENCE, Ala. — The man who discovered Elvis Presley will be the subject of a two-hour documentary that premieres at 7 p.m. June 18 on the Arts & Entertainment cable network's "Biography" series.

"Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock 'n' Roll" will look at the life and influential career of the 77-year-old founder of Memphis' Sun Records, which propelled to stardom not only Presley, but Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and other rockabilly artists of the 1950s.

"I've seen it, and they've done a great job with it," said Phillips, a Florence native.

The documentary marks the first time Phillips has participated in a film devoted to his life -- including his pioneering work in radio and the recording industry.

"Sound is the greatest gift God ever gave to mankind," Phillips said.

"The Man Who Invented Rock 'n' Roll" was written by Peter Guralnick, a popular music historian whose works include "Sweet Soul Music" and the two-volume Elvis Presley biography, "Last Train to Memphis" and "Careless Love."

"Sam is one of the American masters, and his story demands to be told," Guralnick said.

The documentary is narrated by Billy Bob Thornton, the Oscar-winning writer, director and star of "Sling Blade."